Andrea Atzeni to replace Frankie Dettori aboard Stradivarius

Andrea Atzeni will replace Frankie Dettori aboard Stradivarius in next week’s Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup, owner-breeder Bjorn Nielsen has confirmed.

Dettori suffered significant criticism from the leading owner after his ride aboard the star stayer in last month’s Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, where he finished third to Kyprios when attempting to win the race for a fourth time.

Dettori and the Gosdens announced their highly publicised “sabbatical” shortly afterwards and, although Dettori was back riding for the Gosdens a couple of weeks later, Nielsen has decided that his superstar will be reunited with Atzeni who has not ridden Stradivarius since guiding him to victory in the 2018 Goodwood Cup.

"Frankie Dettori, who has enjoyed a great relationship with Stradivarius and ridden him to many brilliant Stakes victories, more than he has any other horse, will by mutual agreement give up the ride to Andrea Atzeni in the Goodwood Cup," Nielsen told Racing TV.

"Frankie remains not only ‘the Strad’s’ biggest fan but a very good friend and of course I look forward to seeing him continue his phenomenal career as one of the greatest big-race jockeys of all time."

"Andrea will be no stranger to Stradivarius as they are undefeated together, winning the 2017 and 2018 Goodwood Cups as well as the 2017 Queens Vase."

Although not confirmed, Stradivarius’ bid for a fifth victory in the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup on Tuesday, July 26 is likely to be the final outing of his illustrious career.

He is a general 11-4 to win the two-mile showpiece at the Qatar Goodwood Festival, live on Racing TV, with his Ascot conqueror Kyprios heading the betting at a best-priced 5-2.